Bikesrepublic

Philippines

CFMOTO has recently launched its 800NK sport naked streetfighter at the Makina Moto Show, one of the biggest motorcycle shows in the Philippines. This new model has been making headlines with its impressive specs and features.

  • the naked motorcycle features KTM’s LC8c 799cc parallel-twin engine. 
  • the 800NK is equipped with KYB suspension, full-colour TFT and J.Juan brake callipers. 

Powered by a KTM-acquired 799cc 285-degree parallel twin, the 800 NK produces 100.8 horsepower and 81Nm of torque. With a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour, it’s a lightweight middleweight, tipping the scales at just 185 kilograms.

The Philippine-spec model of the 800NK comes equipped with KYB adjustable suspension in the front and rear, J.Juan calipers and brake masters, and a large eight-inch full-color TFT panel for its gauge cluster that includes smartphone pairing as one of its features.

According to CFMOTO, the Philippine market will only get one trim level of the 800 NK, and the model that the country gets has all the top-shelf stuff. Priced at PHP488,800 (RM38.6k), the 800 NK is one of the best values in the market compared to its other rivals.

The launch of the 800NK has made big waves at the Makina Moto Show, where CFMOTO has showcased its latest offering to many eager Filipinos. With its impressive specs, features, and affordable price point, the 800 NK is expected to be a game-changer in the motorcycle market.

Zero Motorcycles, the American electric motorcycle manufacturer, has announced its latest partnership with Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), a subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation and a leader in the Philippine motorcycle manufacturing sector.

  • Zero Motorcycles partners large local conglomerate in the Philippines with Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. 
  • The American electric motorcycle company to begin expanding its operation in Southeast Asia. 

The deal will see Zero Motorcycles expand its global operations and accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles in the Southeast Asian market.

The partnership will mark a first for the Philippine motorcycle industry as no full-scale electric motorcycles have been or are currently being produced in the country.

Through this partnership, IMI will handle the assembly of certain Zero Motorcycles models, as well as other assemblies in the former’s manufacturing facility in Laguna, with the facility working closely with Zero’s own manufacturing plant in California.

“We look forward to such an amazing collaboration to help bring their innovative electric motorcycles to the world. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting companies in their growth and sustainability efforts while providing high-quality manufacturing services,” said IMI’s CEO, Arthur R. Tan, in a statement.

While the specific bikes to be launched in the Philippines have not yet been confirmed, IMI hopes to begin production of Zero Motorcycles models and components as early as the second quarter of 2023. This partnership is an exciting development for the Philippine motorcycle industry, and a significant step towards sustainable transportation.

Gogoro battery swapping technology is a revelation, not only it is convenient but also it pushes the electric mobility industry to greater heights.

  • Gogoro battery swapping system to be available in Manila.
  • Gogoro and SmartScooters will be used by the delivery service industry. 

Also, the innovation allows Gogoro to record a huge spike in expansion in recent years.

After opening its doors to several countries around Asia, Gogoro will now make its way to the Philippines.

That said, Gogoro has announced a new strategic partnership with 917Ventures whereby the battery swapping technology will cater to the highly popular delivery service industry. 

“Gogoro is honored to have the support of the Philippine’s Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to kick start this new smart mobility movement in Manila that utilizes Gogoro’s intelligent battery swapping, a new generation of EV refueling.

“Through our collaboration with Globe, 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation, we plan to unlock incredible environmental and sustainability benefits and introduce new smart mobility efficiencies for businesses by improving how they manage their fleets and deliveries,” said Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro.

Before implementing the battery swapping system at a full pace, there will be a pilot test conduct in the city of Manila which will also involved SmartScooters, that is powered by Gogoro’s Swap & Go battery system.

Using Gogoro’s battery swapping system and SmartScooters, 917Ventures hopes that it’ll kickstart the nation initiatives towards a greener future.

“We are committed to helping solve the climate crisis by introducing Gogoro to logistics businesses, helping them in their sustainability efforts. In addition, the Swap & Go technology will enable riders to be fully charged in just seconds and therefore eliminate the need for parking spots. Hopefully, this technology will encourage more Filipinos to switch to EV,” expalined Vince Yamat, Managing Director of 917Ventures.

Indian motorcycle giant Hero MotoCorp is ready to set foot in the Philippine market by 2024 as part of the company’s international expansion plans.

  • Hero is ready to expand its brand in the Philippines.
  • The India-based company has sold more than 100 million motorcycles since its debut. 

To achieve this, Hero has partnered experienced automotive firm in the Philippines, Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC), a subsidiary of the Columbian Group of Companies.

TMC will take charge of Hero’s motorcycle distribution in the country.

“In keeping with our R4 (Recalibrate, Revitalise, Revolutionise and Revive) strategy, we are always keenly exploring new opportunities in global markets. 

“Our partnership with Terrafirma Motors Corporation (TMC) to enter the Southeast Asian region is an integral part of this expansion strategy. 

“The trust and technology prowess of Hero MotoCorp combined with TMC’s automotive expertise and network in the Philippines will definitely create an impact and strengthen our footprint in this key market,” Hero MotoCorp Head of Global Business, Sanjay Bhan told ZigWheels.

Hero MotoCorp is regarded as the world’s largest two-wheel manufacturer in terms of sales, with over 100 million motorcycles sold since its debut. 

Hero’s motorcycles are available in 43 countries worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and South and Central America. 

  • Indonesia saw the largest number of motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region in 2018.

  • The total was nearly half of the total of the entire region.

  • The country’s large population and income level contributed to the number.

We know for many years that Indonesia is the largest market for motorcycles in the ASEAN region, but it was a toss-up between them and Vietnam.

However, new data by the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) and Federation of Asian Motorcycle Industries (FAMI) confirmed that the largest number of motorcycles sold in 2018 was in Indonesia.

In that year alone, motorcycle manufacturers and distributors in the Republic of 260 million souls moved a total of 6,383,111 units. That number represents a whopping 47% of all motorcycle sales in the ASEAN region. In terms of ratio, 1 out of 40.7 persons bought a motorcycle.

The second largest market in 2018 was Vietnam, with 3,386,097 units moved. The population of the country is 94 million. Converting that to a ratio, 1 out of 27.7 persons purchased a bike.

So, although Indonesia contributed the larger total, more Vietnamese bought motorcycles. It could also means that there’s still much space for motorcycle sales, if we know the current motorcycle population in each country.

Anyhow, in third was Thailand with 1,788,323 bikes sold. The Kingdom’s motorcycle market looks to be reaching a saturation point. The Philippines followed closely with 1,582,901 units. Malaysia contributed a distant but not entirely small 494,254. Last was Singapore with 10,377 bikes.

  • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the destruction of 100 smuggled bikes.

  • The action represented his stand on smuggling and the drug trade on a wider scale.

  • Total value destroyed was approximately $ 640,000.

The Philippines government, led by President Rodrigo Duterte, continues their no-holds-barred war against the drug trade by crushing illegally imported motorcycles and other vehicles, valued over $ 640,000.

Approximately 100 motorcycles, including Vespas, a BMW, a Harley-Davidson and a Triumph were lined up for death by excavator. The executions of the bikes were carried out in the country’s capital Manila, while several luxury cars and SUVs were destroyed at Cebu city. The bikes have done nothing wrong of course, but Mr. Duterte wanted to send a clear message that crime doesn’t pay. That and taxes needs to be paid, of course.

The President is an avid rider himself and was present at the Manila site. He grimaced when the Harley was crushed, commenting, “When the excavator crushed the Harley it’s like I also got hit in my neck. What a waste.”

Then, why did he order the destruction?

The motorcycles could have been auctioned and the proceeds could go on to fund the Philippine government’s war chest on drug lords, after all. Or sell them as the same price as low-mileage demo bikes? He had come under much criticism for destroying the cash-convertibles since the destruction of 20-odd luxury cars in February.

Well, Mr. Duterte explained that the auction system is equally corrupt and the contraband or proceeds may just end back up in favour of the drug dealers.

But let’s be frank, Mr. Duterte is a showman, and he has to show that he is serious in carrying out his job, given how volatile Philippine politics is. He’s also sending the message that he fears no one, especially smugglers.

Click on the video below and let the pain flow.

Video depicting US$20,000 illegal scooter street race in the Philippines to settle Facebook feud goes viral.

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 Asia’s only leading Moto3 race series is now welcoming applicants for its 2016 Season. Think you have what it takes? Sign up now for Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup 2016!

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